Blogs from Malawi, Africa - page 68

I decided to stay in Blantyre for my first weekend in Malawi. It's been difficult to use the services in the town during the week as by the time I finish at the orphanage (4.30pm) the internet places are closing, as are many of the shops. It's only the mall called 'Shoprite' that remains open longer until about 7 or 8pm (but taxi's can be tricky to get from there unless you have taxi phone numbers). A tale of woe from Zimbabwe On Friday night as I got up from using the hostel computer, wanting to head straight to bed, I was blocked by a man with a beer in his hand. He was a little under the influence and stated that he was drowning his sorrows. I knew it would be rude to walk straight ... read more

I had my first cup of tea at the orphanage today, and it made all the difference! Simple things! I plucked up courage to ask the project manager if I could have some of his strong loose tea leaves and borrow his mug (they don't have milk in the village, although you can get powered stuff). Caffeine at last! And there is something so comforting about drinking tea (I'm reminding myself about the tea drinking descriptions in the No 1 Ladies Detective books) as I sat outside with some of the orphanage staff learning more about their lives. It's Friday today so I asked what they would be doing over the weekend - there was only one answer - going to Church on Sunday, washing, cleaning, resting, and chatting with friends and family. One thing which ... read more

Here in Malawi, I have already given up on asking people what their real names are. I met Cruiser, Mr B, Coffee & Phonics this weekend in Cape Maclear. Our cook is called Computer. Our driver is called Gift. A colleague of mine is called Massage. It’s true what they say - Malawians ARE the friendliest people. I have been made to feel so welcome my first week here. I have already had several invites to join people for Kuche Kuche (beer) and Shake Shake (a local beer that looks like porridge and comes in large milk cartons). My first impressions? My work, my location, and the people I am with are all making me think this is going to be great. My journey from Lilongwe airport to Monkey Bay took 4 hours. It was in ... read more

Malawi - the warm heart of Africa - is known for its friendly hospitable people. And indeed wherever I go I receive a heartfelt welcome. Last night I dined with 5 pastors and their wives at the Reverend's house. There was food aplenty - meats, peas, maize, rice, potatoes, and some coated termites - a delicacy which is apparently too good to hang around - as they were eaten up before I got to try any! After the food came the dancing, and I copied the women as best I could. Then the singing - a special song welcoming me. Then a 'speech' from one of the wives saying how thankful she was to the Reverend for making it possible for them to meet and talk with white people and how honoured she felt. I quickly ... read more

Please note this blog is a personal account of my time in Malawi, sometimes I will have to write things quickly when I get a chance to be on the internet. I know that family, friends, colleagues, and contacts will be looking at this. I hope not to offend but if anything I say doesn't come across so well - please give me the benefit of the doubt - my heart is trying to be in the right place. -------- ...As you might guess by the entry title - I've arrived. My flight from London to Jo'burg and onto Blantyre all went to plan. It was when I got off the plane at Blantyre, hit by the heat on the tarmac, and then the scramble for luggage outside the terminal building ...and at least 10 people's ... read more